x
Breaking News
More () »

Sheriff asks public for prayer after officer-involved shooting in Lumpkin County

The sheriff provided few details during a short recorded message on Facebook but asked that the public prays for everyone involved.

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The sheriff of Lumpkin County's voice cracked as he spoke during a recorded address to the public following an officer-involved shooting in his county, Wednesday. 

Sheriff Stacy Jarrard didn't elaborate on the details of the shooting but did confirm that he knew everyone involved.

"The officer, naturally, I've known all his life," Sheriff Jarrard said. "And the other people that's involved in the incident, I'm well familiar with that family."

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed around 2:30 p.m. that it was sending agents to Lumpkin County to investigate the incident and the sheriff said he had contacted them, as well as the district attorney's office, to look into it.

According to the GBI, deputies were called to 1851 Black Mountain Road in Dahlonega to handle a domestic disturbance involving 55-year-old Paul Cheek. When the responding deputy made contact with Cheek, authorities said the suspect pulled a knife. 

"During the confrontation, Cheek was shot by the deputy one time," the GBI statement said. 

Cheek was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff's office said earlier in the day that no deputies were harmed.

Sheriff Jarrard ended his message by asking anyone who was watching the video to keep the families of those involved in their prayers.

"I will release more as I can," he said. "And just remember everyone involved."

Spokesperson Nelly Miles said this is the 79th officer-involved shooting the GBI has been requested to handle since the beginning of 2019.

Typically, the state agency is brought in to perform an independent investigation by the department involved in the shooting. The GBI then turns its findings over to the area district attorney who will determine whether there are grounds for prosecution.

MORE HEADLINES:

Sophie Speaks: How a Georgia mother allowed her boyfriend to impregnate her 10-year-old

'Sick & Twisted': EMS dark humor page exposed

Gang members sentenced in 'the most horrific death' in recent county history

Before You Leave, Check This Out